Chapter 12
Natalie's POV
With the help of makeup, I successfully hid the bruises and managed to get past my brother's prying eyes. Maggie was still worried, but I assured her. I rushed through breakfast and hurried into the car where my driver was already waiting for me; we drove off to school.
I was especially furious this morning and, as if my driver knew my mood, drove really fast. Soon we were at school, and I didn't waste any time getting down from the car and storming into school. The stares followed as usual. I walked up to Mira, who was busy at her locker.
”Good morning Natty.” She greeted.
“Hi. Have you seen the trio?” I hurriedly asked.
”No, but they're in school. Why are you suddenly asking about them?” She asked, worry evident in her voice. I scanned around the hallway. No sign of the trio here..
“I have to go. I'll see you later.”
“Natty? Wait!!” she called but I didn't wait to hear the rest. Butting into classes and rooms, I searched everywhere in the school. I eventually found them on the top floor, gossiping... They turned and when they saw me, their jaws hung open. They didn't expect me to be in school today.
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Tricia's POV
No way!! What the hell is Natalie doing in school?! She was supposed to be in the hospital, nursing wounds. And she looked furious.... This isn't good.
”H... Hi,” I stuttered. “Natalie! It's so nice to see you. What are you doing here?” I asked, smiling as if nothing was wrong. Celine and Bella joined in, even though apprehension was evident on their faces.
”What am I doing here?” She repeated, smirking. “Why? This is my school. Shouldn't I be here?” She asked.
By now everyone had gathered behind her, including her friend Mira and The Anderson brothers... Oh God.
”Of course this is your school... I just didn't expect you to be....”
“Oh, shut up Tricia! You didn't expect me to be here? Where should I be then? In the hospital? Nursing wounds,... From rape??”
I gasped.... She knew!!
”How about I send you to the same hospital? But this time....” She charged towards me and slammed me into the wall, holding me on the neck, strangling me. “This time... For plastic surgery!!!” she yelled, punching the wall behind me. It made a hole. Fire was blazing in her eyes.... My heart thumping loudly in my chest, my palms began sweating.
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Natalie's POV
“You are so lucky I don't hit blockheads like you.... You'll be bleeding by now.” I gritted. She kept flailing her hands, unable to breathe due to the way I held her neck. I didn't stop, anyway.
”You seriously try to send idiots to me.... To rape me? Didn't I warn not to mess with me? Answer me!!” She yelled..
”Y.. you... You're suffocating me! She gasped, struggling to get my hands off her. I tightened the grip instead.
”Now let me warn you, the next time to try that shit with me... You'll be in worse shape than I ever was.” Then I dropped her. She was coughing violently. I turned to the rest of them.
“And that includes the rest of you!” I said between through gritted teeth... Then I stooped low and dragged Tricia by the hair, making her yelp in pain. "You are so lucky my brothers didn't find out,” I muttered. “You'll be in juvenile prison by now.”
I pushed her to the floor and stood up, breathing heavily. Everyone seemed really scared of me except for Mira, who had this dazed and confused look on her face.
I hissed and left the place, heading to the girls' restroom.... I need to relax my nerves...
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Tricia's POV
I was still on the floor, gasping for breath. How the hell did she learn to strangle like that? She almost killed me! Bella came and held my hands, but I shrugged it off.
”I'm really sorry Tricia. Are you okay?” She asked.
”Does it look like I am?” I threw at them, still coughing.
The rest of them were staring at the hole Natalie made with her hands.. I shivered when I realized that hit was actually for my face. I could have seriously gone for plastic surgery!!
Celine and Bella helped me up, and from the corner of my eyes, I caught Xavier staring at me with this weird look on his face. Wait... Does he know too? Oh crap!
He didn't say anything but left and Xander followed as well, perhaps to go after Natalie.... They can go to hell for all I care. I almost died here.
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Xavier's POV
Natalie comes to school and then the first person she sees is Tricia? Does it mean Tricia was behind the attack?? I was going to ask, but someone dragged me back. It was Xander. I should have known.
”Where are you going to now? Didn't you see what happened back there? Natalie is still in a bad mood!” He said. I scoffed.
“Does that matter? I only want to ask a few questions.” I said.
”Oh really? It doesn't matter. Wait till she sends you to the hospital for plastic surgery... Then it'll matter.” He said, raising his brows. That's actually kind of true. Judging by the way I saw her fight yesterday and the hole she made in the school wall, she could actually send me to the hospital for plastic surgery. But deep down I knew Xander was just trying to discourage me from seeing Natalie, but I wasn't about to take any chances either....
“Okay fine... I'm not going to see her. Can you leave?”
Xander scoffed. “Whatever,” he muttered and left.
I sighed deeply.... Why the hell did I even agree to the bet in the first place???
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Tricia's POV
I was in the school's dormitory, nursing the wounds Natalie inflicted on me, when the nurse came and said someone wanted to see me. Since I just dismissed Celine and Bella, I thought they were the one.
”Please tell them to go away. I don't want to see anyone.” I said.
”It's Xavier miss,” she replied.
I looked up at her. Xavier? What would he want to see me for?
“Okay... Send him in.” The nurse nodded and left the room. I quickly tidied myself.
Xavier walked in steadily, his gaze on me the entire time. I straightened up and let out a sweet smile. It looked so real.
“Hi Xavier! Why did you come see me?” I asked.
“Just stop the pretense!” He scolded, his voice curt. I recoiled and fiddled with my fingers.
”Natalie comes to school in the morning and the first thing she does is to warn you. Isn't that strange?” He asked. I tried to act surprised.
“I don't know what you are talking about.” I lied. His eyes darkened as he lowered himself.
“The attempted rape on Natalie.... Was it you who planned it?” He asked.
Damn!! How do I get out of this now? There's no way I can lie to him... Natalie said it herself and with the way he's asking questions, I think he's aware. I dallied and Xavier, out of patience, hit the table beside me, making me squirm in fear.
“I asked a question.”
I stammered. ”it's... It's... It's not what you think, Xavier...”
“What do I think then?” He asked.
“I really didn't....” I was interrupted when a phone began ringing. It was Xavier's. He stood up and brought out the phone. When I thought he was going to hang up, he picked it up. I held my breath.
I heard him mention 'Darren' as the look on his face softened.
”You want to see me?” He said into the phone... “Okay... I'll meet you there.” He said and hanged up. Then look at me, venom in his eyes. I shuddered.
”This conversation isn't over Tricia... I'll see you soon.”
Without sparing me a glance, he walked out of the room... I heaved a sigh of relief. I almost got busted. What would have happened if I told Xavier.
You'll be in juvenile prison, my subconscious taunted. I scoffed.
”What did Xavier tell you?” I heard a voice say. I looked up, and it was Xander, who was staring at me intently.
Oh God.... What now? I can't tell Xander too!